Experimental Studies On Preventing And Treatment Of Knee Osteoarthritis In Rabbit Models By Supplementing Qi, Tonifying Kidney And Promoting Blood Movement

Objiective: To investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of a new herbal recipe, yiqibushenxingxue recipe (YQBSXX) (Radix Astragali, Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae , Herba Dendrabii, Radix Paeoniae Alba, Rhizoma Cibotii, Flos Carthami, Rhizoma Drynariae, Caulis Sinomenii) on osteoarthritis (OA) in the knee joint in rabbit models.Methods : 60 New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into four groups. Group A had 9 rabbits , and each of group B~D had 17 ones. All animals in group B~D were managed by the plaster immobilization with left posterior knee joint in extend excessive position. One weeks later , group D were treated with YQBSXX recipe 15. 6g once daily, group C with Zhuangguguanjie recipe 1. 2g(a standard herbal prescription for OA in China), group A~B were received 8 ml normal saline. Half of each group were decapitated in the 7th weeks and the 13th weeks respectively. The gross morphological condition was observed and grade of cartilage surface was evaluated with surgical microscope according to arthroscope grade method. Specimens were taken from the weight-bearing portion of the femoral condylar and were examined histologically and graded with C.Colombo criteria. Immunohistochemical method was used to detect the proliferation of chondrocytes in all groups. At the same time , terminal-deoxynocleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling method(TUNEL) was used to detect the apoptosis of chondrocytes.Results: The finding of histological study showed that there were more or less degenerative changes of OA in group B~D. No degenerative changes occurred in group A. Surgical microscopic results of cartilage surfaceshowed significant difference among group A~D(/tO. 001 in the 7th week and /M). 000 in the 13th week). In the 7th week and 13th week after consumption , according to C.Colombo score criterion, the average scores in group C~ D were lower than group B (R0. 01) , and group D than group C(/M). 004 in the 7th week and P=0. 002 in the 13th week). In the 7th week after consumption , the chondrocytes proliferative index in group C~D were obviously higher group B(K0. 01) , and group D than group C(P=0. OOO)by immunohistochemical method; the chondrocytes apoptosis index in group C~D were obviously lower than group B (FK0.01 ) by TUNEL assay , but there was no obvious difference between group D and group C (P=0. 567) . In the 13th week after consumption, there were no obvious difference in the chondrocytes proliferative index in group B~D, but the chondrocytes apoptosis index in group C~D were obviously lower than group B (K0. 01) , and group D than group C (/M). 025) .Results: The method of plaster immobilization with the knee joint in extend excessive position can successfully induce the model of 0A. The treatment of OA in a rabbit model with YQBSXX recipe shows significantly better histologic results , it can restrain effectively chondrocytes apoptosis and promote chondrocytes proliferation. To the mechanisms of treatment by supplementing qi, tonifying kidney and promoting blood movement, both restraining chondrocytes apoptosis and promoting proliferation probably have great meanings in the early/middle stage , but restraining chondrocytes apoptosis probably plays a main role in middle/late stage. Therefore, it is a useful agent for prevention and treatment of OA. Further research is needed, to assess side effects and to reveal the excact mechanisms of action of this Chinese herbal prescription.